"Probiotic" comes from a Greek word meaning "for life." Probiotics are live organisms, including various bacterial strains, that help promote healthy colon cells, a productive digestive tract and a strong immune system. The two most common strains of probiotics are the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species. Lactobacillus are most often found in the small intestine, while Bifidobacterium are most commonly located in the large intestine. Fortunately, there are many foods high in probiotics for you to consume.
Dairy Products
Nutri-Health.com recommends eating dairy products that contain live active probiotic cultures. Active-culture yogurt and acidophilus milk both contain bacteria that are friendly to your digestive system. Live-culture cottage cheese also contains probiotics, and some aged cheeses, such as certain cheddars and goudas, are fortified with active bacterial cultures.
Pickles and Sauerkraut
Fermented foods like sauerkraut and brine-cured pickles contain healthy, probiotic bacteria and yeasts. Look for brine-cured pickles that don't contain vinegar.
Sourdough Bread
According to Probiotic.org, sourdough starter uses the probiotic Lactobacillus strain for fermentation. Therefore, sourdough bread is high in probiotics. Coupled with a probiotic-fortified cheese, sourdough bread is even more effective at providing your body with these important live organisms.
Spicy Fermented Vegetables
Nutri-Health.com suggests consuming traditional Asian foods like pickled ginger and kimchi. These, as well as many other fermented Korean foods, are rich in probiotics.
Unpasteurized Miso
BethColeman.net suggests eating unpasteurized miso as a good source of probiotics. Miso is a thick paste used to make Japanese soups and sauces; it can be made from fermented rice, barley or soybeans. Cathy McNease, the chair of the herb department and herb clinic director at the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine, advises eating unpasteurized miso to settle an upset stomach.
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